'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos, has backtracked on his post-match comments regarding his yellow card during their 1-2 win over Ajax in the round of 16 first leg in the Champions League on Wednesday.
In case you didn't know...
The centre-back was featuring in his 600th game for Los Blancos, and he was pivotal in Real Madrid's rearguard, which kept Ajax from scoring more goals. But at the closing quarters of the match, he was yellow carded for a risky challenge. Due to the yellow card, he will miss the second leg because of suspension.
Sergio Ramos is not unfamiliar with suspensions, as his penchant for risky challenges is well known. Real Madrid has been dealt a huge blow with his suspension and will have to face Ajax at home without the services of the veteran defender.
The heart of the matter
Sergio Ramos added spark to the controversy with his post-match comments, as he claimed that he picked up the booking on purpose. When asked about the card post-match, Ramos said,
"Looking at the result, I'd be lying if I said I didn't force [the booking]. It is not to underestimate the opponent nor to think that the series is over, but in football you have to make tough decisions."
However, following backlash from media personnel and the fans, the 32-year-old has backtracked on his comments and explained on his Twitter account that he had not picked up the card on purpose at the dying moments of the game.
"I want to make it clear that it hurts more than anyone, I have not forced the card, as I did not against Roma in my previous Champions League match. I will support from the stands as one more fan with the illusion of being in the quarters.", he added.
What's next?
The 32-year-old might face a potential extended suspension from UEFA competition following his initial comments, similar to that of his club teammate, Dani Carvajal, who received a two-game ban after intentionally picking up a booking against APOEL in 2017.
